Predato hunting rifle weight?

AWS

AWS

Custom Accessory Maker & Retired PM Staff
Would you consider a rifle weighing over 13 lbs. to be a viable predator hunting tool?

How many hunt predators with a rifle weighing over 13 lbs most of the time.

I'm talking predators here, coyote, fox, cats not varmints, PD's, ground squirrels.
 
Last edited:
It would really depend on the terrain that I would be expecting to shoot...For longer distance shooting, the stability of the heavier weight is a plus, especially if you don't have to carry it very far, or are built like a lumber jack...

When I set up, health has forced me to stay pretty close to the vehicle and I now am more willing to take a longer shot if the opportunity presents itself, as I prefer to stay on a stand much longer than most do...

For "Running and Gunning" from one stand to another after 15 minutes, or so, a lighter rifle is a plus, but for open, long distance shooting, the heavier ones shine a little better...
 
I understand the premise of the heavier rifle and stability, does your goto predator gun weigh over 13 lbs.?

I have a varmint weight barreled Savage 22-250 with a Boyds laminated varmint stock, a 6.5x20x40mm 30mm tubed scope in tactical rings, it weighs 10 lbs 8 oz and it is a beast.
 
My 2 primary coyote guns both weigh in the 13 pound range. I find that the steadiness from the added weight is more beneficial to me than a little extra work carrying the rifle around. But on this question I am sure that opinions are going to vary greatly.
 
I used to predator hunt with an 11 pound 6Br I nicknamed Porky. The heft was nice when using shooting sticks on distant targets. We all know that you carry a rifle a whole lot more than shoot it while hunting. I now hunt with a 7 pound 6Br nicknamed Skinny. You young guys feel free to carry around a fat barrelled rifle for pred hunting. I'm 53 and like light rifles much more now.
 
Anything over 8lbs. wont cut it for me. Closer to 7 lbs. is even better. I walk long distances over rough timbered country, my shots are usually under 100 yards and at moving critters through the timber. For my hunting style, cover and topography a long barreled heavy rifle would be a real handicap.
 
I carry an 12 lb AR and an 8 lb shotgun to every stand. I carry the AR in my backpack and the shotgun in my hands plus all my other call gear. I rarely have to walk more than a mile from the truck. If that's too heavy then maybe it's time to start working out. I'm in my mid 50's and it's not a problem for me. I hunt open fields on cattle and dairy ranches mainly.
 
I started with a big bull barrel 22-250 and after the first year, traded in for a 7# gun. Many years later i still use the same rifle and won't make the switch to AR unless i can build a light one of those as well.

It's really not about the rifle weight, it's just that i also have a pack that has everything in it. My call is a Prarie Blaster so with everything in the pack its about 20# plus the rifle, pistol, and shotgun, it all starts to add up. especially if you walk in anywhere.

I specifically bought heavy duty shooting sticks. Not because i needed them, but when you have 50# of gear and you shoot a 30# coyote, I use the shooting sticks as a type of OX bow and hang the pack on one side and the coyote on the other, and hike out.
 
Seems like a lot of folks agree with my little personal saying....

"Don't bring that prarie dog gun on my coyote hunt."

10 lbs is a really heavy predator gun.

7-9 lbs is a predator gun with a enough barrel to shoot well.

These are, of course, just my opinions.
 
I had MUCH prefer to carry one 15 pound gun v/s TWO - 7.5 pound guns (you guys carrying two guns to the stand are cracking me up). That said, I do not care one bit to carry a gun over 12 pounds much farther than about 3-400 yards. For a day of walking an 8.5 pound gun is all you want.


 
I carry three guns..

One rifle, used for targets farther than 50yrds that won't come closer or are leaving.
One shotgun, used for less than 50yrds and try my best to get everything inside that ring.
One semi auto pistol in 22lr. I don't want to use the shotgun or rifle on a predator that isn't quite dead yet. One 22lr bullet in the ear is a quick death, and it doesn't make another hole in the pelt.

For those that don't skin, use a 300win mag.. For those that keep the pelt, we are usally trying very hard to be fur friendly, yet still put fur in the truck.
 
I've spent time the last three years hunting coyotes with a Kimber Montana in 223 Rem, and I don't think I've missed any targets due to not having a heavy barreled varmint rifle capable of 1/2 MOA in tow. I'll save them for the PD's from a portable bench under an umbrella in the summer months.

As for multiple guns, I'm not selective. I shoot the ONE that I have in my hand and I leave the rest at home or in the truck.

And I work out at the gym 3-4 times a week. For me its not "can I" carry a heavy rifle. It's more "why" do it if it's not needed?
 
Originally Posted By: coleridgeI had MUCH prefer to carry one 15 pound gun v/s TWO - 7.5 pound guns (you guys carrying two guns to the stand are cracking me up). That said, I do not care one bit to carry a gun over 12 pounds much farther than about 3-400 yards. For a day of walking an 8.5 pound gun is all you want.




You REALLY don't carry a shotgun?
 
Originally Posted By: AWSWould you consider a rifle weighing over 13 lbs. to be a viable predator hunting tool?


Not where and the way I hunt. I carried my heavy varmint gun when I first started calling (you've seen it - the one I shoot the Egg Shoot with), and hated it. One season was enough to learn that I wanted a lighter, quicker handling rifle.

Oh yeah, then I can carry a shotgun too.
 
I'm 65 soon to be 66 and until this year have never owned a 7lb rifle. I now have a weatherby 243 that I will maybe use this year, maybe. All I have ever used was heavy barrel rifles, even for deer hunting. Gluten for punishment, guess so. Its all I've ever used till now.
 
Last edited:
Originally Posted By: CZ527

You REALLY don't carry a shotgun?

What for? My rifle will shoot much farther than a bird gun & is exceptionally capable inside 50 yard.

tt2.gif



 


Write your reply...
Back
Top